For a period in April, law enforcement officers plan to “crack down” on drivers who text while driving, according to a statement from the Hollister Police Department.
The local department is taking part in the national campaign called “U Drive. U Text. U Pay.”
According to the full announcement:
Motorists from all over the country are reminded that from April 10-15, law enforcement personnel will be using a combination of traditional and innovative strategies to crack down on motorists who text while driving.
This effort is a part of the national U Drive. U Text. U Pay. high-visibility enforcement (HVE) campaign that combines periods of intense enforcement of anti-distracted driving laws and media outreach to let people know about the enforcement and convince them to obey the law.
“People need to know that we are very serious about stopping this deadly behavior,” – Chief Westrick. “Driving and texting has reached epidemic levels, and enforcement of our state distracted driving law is part of the cure.”
In 2012, there were 3,328 people killed and 421,000 injured nationwide in distraction-affected crashes. The University of Michigan’s Transportation Research Institute reports that a quarter of teens respond to a text message once or more every time they drive, and 20 percent of teens and 10 percent of parents admit that they have extended, multi-message text conversations while driving.
“When you text/call while driving, you take your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and mind off the task of driving. It is akin to driving under the influence of alcohol / controlled substance. Don’t let that “lol” be the biggest mistake of your life,” said Chief Westrick.
If you want to report an incident of distracted driving, pull over and call us. Please note the direction of travel, vehicle description (license plate, color, make and model if possible) and any other identifying information. Call the Hollister Police Department to report violations at 831-636-4331. Persons wishing to remain anonymous may call WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.
